13 Day South Island Circuit

Haere Mai (Welcome) to Aotearoa New Zealand. Your journey begins in Wellington, the country’s compact and creative capital city. With a population of less than 220,000 people, no city in NZ combines a relaxed atmosphere and a cultured, bohemian spirit quite like Wellington. Check in to your hotel and spend the afternoon at your leisure, we recommend a visit to Te Papa, our national museum, which boasts some incredible exhibits. This evening you’ll meet your Guide and your new travelling companions over a welcome dinner.

This morning, we’ll start our journey with breakfast aboard the ferry in the brand-new Pohutukawa Lounge. Designed like a premium airport lounge, it offers a relaxing atmosphere and a delicious spread of food to enjoy as we cross the Cook Strait. If the weather is fi ne, head up to the deck to take in stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds and keep an eye out for local wildlife.

On arrival in Picton, we’ll travel to Blenheim, stopping fi rst at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum. Home to an extraordinary collection of WWI and WWII aircraft, many displayed in dioramas created by Sir Peter Jackson’s Wingnut Films, this is a must for history and aviation buffs alike. Then we’ll stop for a wine tasting amidst the vines at one of New Zealand’s top Sauvignon Blanc producers, before continuing on to Nelson, where we’ll have time to unwind, explore the area, and sample some of the region’s fantastic local food and beverages.

Today we head out to explore Abel Tasman National Park, renowned for its golden sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and native coastal bush, Abel Tasman is best experienced from the water.

Cruise or kayak along the coastline, spot native wildlife, and stop off to walk sections of the famous Abel Tasman Coast Track. This evening, return to Nelson with the rest of the day at your leisure to explore this creative city further.

This morning we’ll travel inland, crossing through the Buller Gorge and Lewis Pass as we make our way to Hanmer Springs, a charming alpine village nestled in the Southern Alps. Once we arrive, the rest of the day is yours to explore. Many choose to soak in the famous Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools, a network of natural hot pools surrounded by native bush, the perfect way to unwind. This evening we’ll gather for a group dinner in the village.

After breakfast, we’ll depart Hanmer Springs and make our way toward Christchurch, stopping en route in the Waipara Valley, one of Canterbury’s premier wine regions. Enjoy a tasting at a local winery before continuing on to Christchurch, the Garden City, arriving in the afternoon with time to explore the city’s hidden eateries and shopping district. This evening we’ll enjoy a group dinner at our hotel.

After breakfast, we’ll journey south along the scenic east coast. Our fi rst stop is Oamaru, a charming township renowned for its beautifully preserved heritage buildings, offering a glimpse into New Zealand’s Victorian past.

Next, we’ll visit the mystical Moeraki Boulders, ancient geological wonders formed around 60 million years ago. These spherical stones, shaped by natural erosion, dot the beach like sentinels silently guarding the coastline, creating a truly captivating sight.

In the late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Dunedin whose name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic term for Edinburgh. Steeped in Scottish heritage, the city enjoys a unique blend of history and culture from its striking European architecture to its rich Maori heritage.

This morning we’ll visit the iconic Larnach Castle, a jewel of Dunedin. Built in 1871 by William Larnach, this is New Zealand’s only castle. Its magnifi cent gardens, recently rated by the New Zealand Gardens Trust as a Garden of International Signifi cance, are unique and beautiful and offer breathtaking views of the Otago peninsula and beyond.

Next, our journey takes us to Gore, where we’ll delve into the town’s colorful past at the Hokonui Moonshine Museum. Discover the daring adventures of Scottish settlers who turned Gore into a hub for illicit whisky distilling and bootlegging. You’ll even have the chance to sample Old Hokonui, crafted from the original recipe that defi ed the law.

In the evening, we’ll arrive in Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland and the spectacular Doubtful Sound. Settle in and prepare for tomorrow’s awe-inspiring exploration of one of New Zealand’s most pristine natural wonders.

Departing Te Anau this morning, we’ll travel to Manapouri for a scenic cruise across the lake to West Arm. From there, we’ll take a short coach journey over Wilmot Pass, New Zealand’s most expensive road, pausing to admire the dense Fiordland rainforest and stunning views of Doubtful Sound below.

At Deep Cove, we board a modern catamaran to explore Doubtful Sound, the largest and most tranquil fi ord in the region. Known for its serene beauty and lack of crowds compared to Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound offers breathtaking scenery with towering mountains and pristine waters. As we sail, enjoy expert commentary on the area’s rich history and keep an eye out for wildlife, including penguins, seals, and dolphins.

After the tour, we’ll continue to Queenstown, where we’ll check into the stunning alpine resort that will be our accommodation for the next two nights.